OphthalmicTech

Welcome to the eye site: Associate of Applied Science Degree - Ophthalmic Technology option. This is a "one-plus-one" program consisting of one year of general education and prerequisites, plus one year of the ophthalmic major courses. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to take the national certified Ophthalmic Techninician (COT®) examination.

An Ophthalmic Techninician works under the direction of an ophthalmologist (an M.D.) with duties including, but not limited to, medical history-taking, visual acuity testing, refractometry, contact lens fitting, visual field evaluation, eye muscle and pupil evaluation, assisting in eye surgery, and performing a variety of technology-based diagnostic testing and patient services.

Ophthalmic Technology is a fascinating program and a great career choice for those students who love science and have an inquisitive mind. Demand for technicians far outweighs the number of graduates our program is able to supply. Most students have been offered jobs from weeks to months before graduation. The future outlook for jobs is excellent as our aging population's need for eye care increases.

Enrollment Requirements

The deadline for application to the program is April 30th. The screening and interview process will be conducted in early June. Interested students may contact Alisha Cornish, O.D., COT., Director, (615) 230 - 3723, alisha.cornish@volstate.edu or contact the John B. Wallace Health Sciences Division at (615) 230 - 3330 for an advising appointment. It is helpful to have requested your official transcripts be sent to the college beforehand for evaluation, or bring an unofficial copy of your transcripts with you to your appointment.

Student Background Check

Effective September 1, 2005, students seeking enrollment in designated Health Sciences programs requiring participation in clinical training in area hospitals and related clinics/agencies must provide evidence of a passing score on a background check prior to official acceptance/enrollment into the respective program. Either the failure to provide the required background check results by the due date established or the receipt of anything other than a passing score on the background check will make a student ineligible for enrollment in the respective program. Background checks are performed at the student's expense. Find more detailed information about Student Background Checks.

Detailed information on the Ophthalmic Technician program is available in our information packet (PDF). Students may wish to download, complete and mail a Pre Health Sciences Interest Form. Check the Ophthalmic Technology choice on the form and mail to the attention of the Program Director at the following address:

Volunteer State Community College
1480 Nashville Pike
Wallace Buildin, South S-219Gallatin, TN 37066

Sending this application does not admit a student into the college or register a student for classes. Applications for admission are handled by the Admissions Office. Registration is accomplished online by going to: http://www.volstate.edu/StudentHelp/ and following the instructions given.

Degree Advancement Program Agreement with MTSU

MTSU and Volunteer State Community College have developed an AAS-to-BS program to allow students who earn an Associate of Applied Science in Ophthalmic Technology at Volunteer State Community College to transfer the majority of those credits to MTSU toward the completion of a Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies with a concentration in Organizational Leadership. This degree is offered through MTSU's University College in cooperation with the Tennessee Board of Regents.

MTSU provides a wealth of information about Degree Advancement Program on their website; including an information sheet about Ophthalmic Technology.

Volunteer State Community College is an AA/EEO employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status in its programs and activities. Click here to see our full Non-Discrimination Policy.